Throughout history we have developed multiple different solutions to the question: “How should we teach our children.” But these are some points that stick out to us, and we think they’ll speak to you as well. Don’t miss the 6th point.
ALL CHILDREN ARE BORN AS GLOBAL CITIZENS
Global citizenship is the idea that one rises above imposed limits or political borders and responsibilities that obstruct one’s path and place limitations that stem from being a human. However, through the natural process of growing up, and with the current educational system, becoming more and more restricted and placing mental restrictions on ourselves as we grow older is an inevitable process and is something we all experience, whether it’s our parents, friends, teachers, or even ourselves inadvertently placing these limitations on life. But what if we could dispel these boundaries and surpass them, what would that do for the brilliant minds of today? More importantly, how would we even go about doing something this improbable? Well, the answer lies within the educational system of America, specifically revamping it to include the best parts of the four main childhood philosophies: Montessori, Reggio, Waldorf, and HighScope.
THIS CENTURY OLD PHILOSOPHY PIONEERED WAYS TO STIMULATE A CHILD’S GROWTH
Montessori is a well-known early learning philosophy that encourages reasoning and self-motivated practice rather than forced schooling and tedious standards. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, founders of Google. Do you know what these distinguished individuals share in common? An educational background from Montessori. The benefits of these philosophies are very real and their effects are highly potent. Through the rigid curriculum and the self-motivated over teacher-enforced motto, schools that incorporate Montessori values in accordance with other philosophies are bound to produce some of the best and most talented people the world has ever seen.
- It cultivates thorough, self-spurred development for kids and teenagers alike in a wide scope of areas, including their mental fortitude.
- It builds motivation to strive to improve, as well as their ability to socialize and articulate coherently
- By treating each child with respect, and having teachers be powerful role models who resolve conflicts peacefully, it teaches kindness and compassion for others
HOW REGGIO EMILIA SOLVED A FATAL FLAW IN EARLY LEARNING PHILOSOPHIES
One of the single biggest problems with the educational system of today is that children tend to spiral into the endless chasm of competition, grades, and standards that they are expected to meet all while receiving little recognition or acknowledgement. The Reggio Emilia approach, the second of the four philosophies, is an alternate way to deal with youth learning, yet it displays highly effective results. Versatility, obligation, self-assurance, collaboration, and critical thinking abilities are only a portion of the advantages of this methodology which has developed into a worldwide pioneer in creative and exceptionally viable youth education.
The one key difference of a Reggio Emilia school is that the student has rights to their learning, and are perceived as dynamic members in building with their own insight having significant control over their way of learning. This enables structured learning exclusive to each student making for an extremely effective, self-motivated, diligent student with a genuine love for learning.
THE UNCONVENTIONAL LEARNING SYSTEM PUSHES CREATIVITY
The peculiarity of the third main educational philosophy, the Waldorf principle, is like no other, as this way of education embodies self-discovery more than competition, and does not utilize the typical learning materials like computers and tablets. In fact, the utilization of electronic media isn’t allowed until the 5th grade, as they are viewed as harmful distractions that do not in any way contribute to the bettering of a child’s learning.
- Waldorf schools do not force their students to undergo standardized testing either. Instead, the Waldorf strategy utilizes dance, music, visual arts, compositions, and legend to present exercises.
- And while this may seem totally unordinary and detrimental, children are able to really hone their creative side and critical thinking ability this way, and often receive the same instructor or teacher for many years, allowing for a strong bond to be forged and deeper connection to be made which constitutes far more personalized learning that constantly changes and adapts to the student.
- Another benefit is the fact that students are largely electronic-free, and rely primarily on textbooks and written material, which effectively eliminates all forms of videogame distraction or online interference.
“If we do not believe within ourselves this deeply rooted feeling that there is something higher than ourselves, we shall never find the strength to evolve into something higher.” -Rudolf Steiner, founder of Waldorf educational philosophies.
THIS PHILOSOPHY CHANGED THE WAY CHILDREN TALKED TO EACH OTHER
My child is doing well in school, but he doesn’t seem to be able to get along with his classmates or talk to anyone but his parents. What should I do?” Ever hear something like this before, better yet, have said something along these lines yourself? Not to worry, the answer lies in HighScope, the fourth and final main educational philosophy.
In a HighScope learning environment, kids are guided to investigate, connect, and apply their innovative side of their brain through education with purpose. Qualified teachers uphold and broaden every child’s learning and ensure progress that merits recognition and appreciation, so that when students enter school they are prepared and actually want to learn.
- Numerous studies have shown that students learn and flourish when they aren’t just sitting down crammed at a desk all day and are socially associated with others.
- In a HighScope program, instructors deliberately organize the study hall and every day schedules to build up the feeling of mobility, support social connections, and assemble a safe community.
- This in turn emphasizes Problem Solving Skills, enhances learning capabilities through movement and sociability, as well as cultivates decision making skills, builds confidence, and thoroughly developed social skills, and these are just a list of some of the benefits HighScope provides
6. HOW EARLY GLOBAL EDUCATION IS BRINGING A NEW STAGE IN CHILDHOOD PHILOSOPHY
You’re probably wondering at this point, all these philosophies are cool, and they all seem to have their pros and cons, but which one do I pick? The answer is all of them. Global Children Schools is unlike any other preschool because it incorporates the best part of each and every philosophy mentioned above, whether it’s the respect and acknowledgement to the child highlighted in the Reggio Emilia approach or the sociability and mobility in HighScope, Global Children Schools has it all.
We believe that it isn’t about forcing students to take standardized tests that have no merit to their character, which forces them in most cases to become average adults who have little belief in their once awe-inspiring ideas. But instead, preparing each student with the necessary means to success in life while placing focus on their imaginative and innovative side, honing in on their rapidly developing minds and ensuring that no mental limitations are placed on them from society. This is what true limitless thinking is, and this is what we wish for every student to have.
